Flossing boosts athletic performance, study shows

‘As athletes we are acutely aware of the marginal gains required to achieve peak performance and maintaining good oral health is a prime example of an area often overlooked,’ says GB Rowing Team member Zak Lee-Green

Athletes reported significantly reduced effects on their performance related to poor oral health (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Flossing and using a high fluoride toothpaste could help elite athletes improve their performance, a study suggests.

Research has previously shown elite athletes to have substantial rates of oral disease, including tooth decay and gum inflammation, which negatively affect their wellbeing and sporting performance.

These issues are caused by several factors, including physical activity causing dry breath which in the long-term increases the risk of tooth decay and gum diseases, along with an increased sugar intake from energy supplements.